Euro 2028: Five Nations Set to Jointly Host the Tournament
Football enthusiasts around the world have their eyes set on this summer’s European Championships. With the 2020 tournament being celebrated across multiple host nations in honor of its 60th anniversary, Germany is taking the helm as the sole host for this year’s event. However, fans can already look forward to Euro 2028, where the home nations and Ireland will come together to jointly host the tournament.
The decision to have England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland as joint hosts for Euro 2028 means that football lovers in these regions won’t have to travel to mainland Europe to experience the excitement firsthand. This announcement comes after Turkey, the main rival for the hosting rights, withdrew from the race, leaving the British Isles as the only option.
Ten host venues have already been selected across the five nations. England, being at the forefront of the tournament, will have six stadiums hosting matches. London will showcase two stadiums, Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Newcastle will each have one stadium representing them. Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast, and Dublin will also be proud hosts, ensuring that all five nations have a chance to shine on the European stage.
While Cardiff has been selected to host the opening match, the final will take place at Wembley Stadium, adding to England’s prominence in the tournament. However, despite being hosts, UEFA rules state that no more than two host nations can receive automatic qualification for the tournament finals. This means that all five nations will have to compete in the qualifying rounds alongside other teams for their place in Euro 2028.
The possibility of any of the five countries failing to qualify for Euro 2028 adds an element of uncertainty to the tournament. However, there is still a chance that the two automatic qualification places are held in reserve and can be used by any of the five nations that fail to secure a place through qualification. This approach has raised concerns within UEFA, as many are uncomfortable with the idea of countries failing in qualifying but still being handed a spot in the finals.
If more than two teams fail to secure spots at Euro 2028 through qualifying, the process of determining which teams are left out could become complicated and messy. While the joint hosting arrangement offers a unique opportunity for the home nations and Ireland to come together in celebration of football, it also presents challenges in terms of team qualification and fairness.
As the countdown begins for Euro 2028, football fans can look forward to an exciting tournament filled with fierce competition and the coming together of nations passionate about the beautiful game. The joint hosting arrangement showcases the unity and shared love for football among the British Isles, promising an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.